Either in fact or legend the American West has been a fascination for not only Americans but people from almost every part of the world.  From early dime novels, then cinema and radio and finally television the myths of the West have continued to entertain.
All of this, both the fact and the fiction, is on display at Autry's Museum of the American West.
Allow plenty of time for a visit to this Museum.  Both the cinema myths of the West as well as the real life of the cowboy and frontiersman are shown.  We spent a long time viewing the wonderful collection of paintings which show the West as viewed by 19th Century artists.
A current exhibition presents more than one hundred native art paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by contemporary artist Rick Bartow.
There are also two Community Galleries one depicted how the Mormon pioneers centered in small communities as they developed farms and ranches rather than scattered over the countryside.  The second shows how the Navajo continue to pursue their unique and traditional way of life.
Yes there is the chronicle of the rise of the "singing cowboys" but also how the real cowboy lived and the tools of his trade which seldom included a "six-shooter" but often the "chuck wagon" which is included in the exhibit.
There is a very complete collection of the firearms that were used in the 18th and 19th century as the west was settled. While another exhibit describes the early days of 'law and order' as western communities came into being.
We spent some time admiring the full scale classic western Saloon complete with a beautifully carved one hundred year old back bar as well as nearby tools for gambling and 'bucking the tiger'.  Also the gallery of the real 'western badmen' and a few of the 'good guys' as well.
The Museum also included the Autry Store and the Crossroads West  Cafe.  Both have the  same hours as the  museum.
The Autry Western Heritage Museum is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo. There is free parking.   The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information check the web at www.autrynationalcenter.org.